Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Is

For one week in June, our building was filled with scripture songs, craft supplies, and the energy of 22 children discovering that Jesus is the Light of the world. Vacation Bible School ran June 22–26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., built around this year's theme verse, John 8:12 — and from the moment Pastor Jones welcomed the children on Monday morning, the excitement never let up.


Each day peeled back another layer of who Jesus is:
  • Monday: Jesus is God's promised Son
  • Tuesday: Jesus is God's perfect Son
  • Wednesday: Jesus is the powerful Son of God
  • Thursday: Jesus is the proven Son of God
  • Friday: Jesus is God's plan for forgiveness

By week's end, the children hadn't just memorized five lessons — they'd followed a story, one that starts with a promise and ends with grace.


In between Bible Story time, the days were full: music, arts and crafts, recreation, and lunch together. The children memorized "Illumination Station" and learned the steps to "Shine The Light." They broke into teams of boys vs. girls and competed to see who had the best aim in games of cornhole.

The week closed with a Friday program for family and friends, where the children shared everything they had learned — followed by a delicious lunch for all.


Story Time

A group of children sit on folding chairs in a classroom, listening to an older woman who is standing and teaching from a paper.

Story Time Activity

An African American woman stands and teaches a group of young children sitting in chairs, in a classroom decorated with religious pictures on the wall.A group of children and a few adults stand between the wooden pews in a church sanctuary. A woman in a white shirt gestures as if leading an activity.

Recreation

An older Black man smiles as he watches a group of young Black children play a beanbag toss game indoors. A boy in a blue jacket is mid-throw.
A young girl prepares to throw a beanbag at a target game on a tiled floor, as a group of other children and an adult watch in a community room.
An excited young boy in a brown outfit jumps while playing an indoor toss game. Other children and adults watch as a toddler crawls on the tiled floor nearby.
A young Black child throws a bean bag at a cornhole board as other children and two adults watch. They are indoors in a room with a tiled floor.

None of this happens without people who show up. To every volunteer who gave their time and talents, every parent who trusted us with their children, and everyone who donated to make VBS a success: thank you. Children and adults alike left the week a little brighter.


Want to be part of it next year? Vacation Bible School 2027 is already something to look forward to — watch the newsletter and our announcements next spring for volunteer sign-ups and registration.

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